Creating your first resume can feel like a big challenge, especially when you're just starting out in the job market. How do you make yourself stand out without a work history? Don't worry. You have more to offer than you realize! This guide is designed for first-time job seekers like high school or college students, walking you through every step of crafting a resume for your first job. With clear instructions, templates, and practical examples, you'll create a resume that grabs employers' attention and lands you that interview.
Why Your First Resume Matters
Your first resume is more than a list of your past. It's the starting point of your professional story. Even if you don't have much work experience yet, you still bring qualities that employers value: fresh perspectives, adaptability, strong communication skills, and a willingness to learn. In fact, many entry-level positions today emphasize soft skills just as much as technical ones, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. A well-crafted resume helps you present yourself as someone who's organized, motivated, and ready to contribute.
Think of it as your personal marketing document. The format you choose, the sections you include, and the way you describe your background will all shape how hiring managers see you, not just for your first job, but for the roles that follow. This resume lays the foundation for your future career narrative.
Do You Really Need a Resume for Your First Job?
You might be thinking, "Do I need a resume for my first job?" Absolutely, yes. Even for entry-level roles like retail, food service, or internships, a resume signals professionalism and helps employers see your potential. It's your chance to organize your skills and experiences, making it easier for hiring managers to say, "This person's worth meeting!"
How to Make Your First Job Resume: A Section-by-Section Guide
Creating your first resume can feel intimidating, especially if you don't have any formal work experience. But everyone starts somewhere, and your resume is about showing potential, not perfection. By focusing on your strengths, transferable skills, and relevant experiences like volunteering or school projects, you can create a resume that's job-ready and professional.
Let's walk through each section step by step:
Write Down Your Contact Information
This is your header and the very first thing employers see, so keep it simple and professional.
What to include:
- Full name (bolded, slightly larger font)
- Phone number (ensure your voicemail is professional)
- Professional email address (e.g., firstname.lastname@gmail.com)
- City and state (full address is no longer required)
- Optional: LinkedIn profile or online portfolio
Formatting Tip
Center your name, with contact info below in smaller font. Avoid unprofessional emails or outdated platforms like Yahoo or Hotmail.
Example
JANE SMITH
jane.smith@gmail.com | (123) 456-7890 | Chicago, IL | linkedin.com/in/janesmith
Include a Professional Summary or Objective
A 2–3 sentence summary or objective is your resume's elevator pitch. Even without experience, you have value to offer.
How to write it:
- Start with who you are (e.g., "high school senior," "recent graduate").
- Mention 2–3 relevant skills (e.g., communication, tech-savvy, detail-oriented).
- Tie it back to what you hope to achieve in the role.
Formula:
[Your status] + [Key strengths/skills] + [Career goal] + [Value you'll bring]
Example – University Student:
"Third-year psychology student with strong research and writing skills, seeking a part-time role in customer service. Known for active listening and empathy, with experience in peer mentoring and event planning."
Example – Recent Graduate:
"Recent business administration graduate with internship experience in digital marketing and data analytics. Eager to bring analytical thinking and creative problem-solving to an entry-level marketing role."
Example - high school student:
"Motivated high school senior with strong communication skills and leadership experience as yearbook editor. Seeking a part-time retail role to build customer service skills and contribute to a team-oriented environment."
List Education Background
For first-time job seekers, education is often your strongest asset.
When writing, include:
- School name, city, state
- Degree or diploma (e.g., High School Diploma, Expected 2026)
- Graduation date (or expected)
- Relevant coursework (optional)
- GPA if 3.5 or above
- Honors or awards
Example – Current College Student
University of Melbourne
Melbourne, VIC
Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communications, Expected Nov 2026
GPA: 3.6/4.0
Relevant Coursework: Social Media Strategy, Journalism Ethics, Public Speaking
Dean’s List: 2024 & 2025
Example – Recent Graduate:
University of Sydney
Sydney, NSW
Bachelor of Commerce, Graduated Dec 2024
GPA: 3.7/4.0
Capstone Project: Developed a market entry strategy for a local startup expanding into Southeast Asia.
Example – High school:
Lincoln High School
Chicago, IL
High School Diploma, Expected June 2026
GPA: 3.8/4.0
Relevant Coursework: Business Communications, Statistics
Honor Roll (4 semesters)
No Work Experience? Try These!
No job experience? No problem. Use volunteering, school projects, part-time gigs, extracurriculars, or anything that shows responsibility and initiative.
Types of experiences to include:
- Volunteer roles
- Babysitting, tutoring, or freelance work
- School club leadership
- Major school projects
- Internships
How to format:
Template
Role Title | Organization
City, State
Start Date – End Date
- Use bullet points describing what you did
- Start each bullet with a strong action verb
- Include measurable outcomes when possible
Example– Volunteer:
Volunteer Tutor | Lincoln Elementary School
Chicago, IL
Sep 2023 – May 2024
- Tutored 12 students weekly in reading and writing
- Developed creative teaching methods that improved literacy scores by 25%
- Communicated regularly with teachers to align on goals
Highlight Your Skills
Listing relevant skills gives hiring managers a snapshot of what you can do.
Organize your skills into:
- Technical Skills: Google Docs, Canva, social media, basic HTML, video editing.
- Soft Skills: Problem-solving, time management, collaboration, communication.
Example:
Technical Skills: Google Workspace, Canva, Basic HTML.
Soft Skills: Public Speaking, Teamwork, Conflict Resolution, Adaptability.
PRO TIP
If possible, include context:
Used Canva to design promotional posters for school events.
Managed team calendar using Google Sheets for a school project.
Optional Sections You Can Add
Add these only if they strengthen your resume:
Consider including additional sections that strengthen your application:
- Projects Section: Highlight significant academic or personal projects that demonstrate relevant skills.
- Certifications: List any professional certifications, online course completions, or industry credentials.
- Languages: Include foreign language skills with proficiency levels.
- Volunteer Work: If extensive, create a separate section for community involvement.
- Publications or Presentations: Include any published work, research presentations, or public speaking engagements.
How to Write It: Keep these concise, with one or two bullet points each.
Make Your First Resume Faster
Feeling stuck? Creating your first resume doesn't have to be overwhelming. JobHun's AI Resume Builder walks you through each section—step by step. Whether you're a high school or college student, it helps you:
Choose the right resume format
Highlight your education, projects, and skills
Write ATS-friendly bullet points and summaries
Avoid common mistakes first-time applicants make
Plus, use our built-in Resume Checker to instantly scan your resume and get improvement suggestions for layout, content, and keywords.
Resume Templates and Examples for Your First Job
Choosing the right resume format for your first job sets the tone for your application. Here are three beginner-friendly templates:
- Chronological: Lists education and experiences in reverse chronological order. Best for showcasing academic achievements.
- Functional: Emphasizes skills over experience. Ideal for those with diverse activities but no formal work history.
- Combination: Blends skills and experience, perfect for highlighting coursework and volunteer roles.
Sample Resume Example:
Jane Doe
jane.doe@email.com | (123) 456-7890 | Austin, TX [LinkedIn Profile]
Objective
Motivated college freshman with excellent organizational skills and a passion for customer service, eager to contribute to a dynamic retail team.
Education
Austin Community College, Austin, TX
Associate of Arts, Expected May 2027
- Relevant Coursework: Introduction to Business, Public Speaking
- Achievements: Dean's List, Fall 2024
Skills
- Customer service: Developed through volunteering at local events.
- Time management: Balanced academics and part-time tutoring.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and social media platforms.
Experience
Volunteer, Austin Food Bank, Austin, TX | June 2024–August 2024
- Distributed food to 40+ families weekly, ensuring timely service.
- Organized inventory, reducing waste by 15%. Fundraising Committee Member, High School Club, Austin, TX | September 2023–May 2024
- Planned charity events, raising $600 for local shelters.
- Created promotional materials, increasing event attendance by 10%.
Certifications
CPR and First Aid, American Red Cross, 2024
Tips for Writing Your First Job Resume with No Job Experience
Having no traditional work experience doesn't mean you lack valuable experiences. Here's how to identify, develop, and present your experiences effectively:
Identify Your Hidden Experiences
Academic Projects as Professional Experience: That group project where you coordinated team meetings and delivered the final presentation? That's project management and leadership. The research paper where you analyzed data and drew conclusions? That demonstrates analytical thinking and attention to detail.
Transform everyday activities:
- Organizing family events = Event planning and coordination
- Managing social media for a club = Digital marketing and content creation
- Tutoring classmates = Training and knowledge transfer
- Volunteering at community events = Customer service and teamwork
- Managing personal finances = Budget management and analytical skills
Use the STAR Method for Descriptions
Structure your experience descriptions using the STAR method:
- Situation: Set the context and background
- Task: Explain what needed to be accomplished
- Action: Describe the specific steps you took
- Result: Share the measurable outcome or impact
Example:
❌ Weak: "Helped organize school fundraiser."
✅ Strong: "Coordinated team of 12 volunteers for annual school fundraiser, managing timeline and task assignments that resulted in raising $3,000 for new library books—exceeding goal by 25%."
Emphasize Transferable Skills
Even without a job history, you already have valuable transferable skills—especially from school, clubs, and volunteer work.
Communication skills
Think of class presentations, writing essays, or working on group projects. If you've volunteered or helped in school events, that's customer service and interpersonal experience too.
Leadership abilities
Were you a team captain, club officer, or project leader in class? These show responsibility and initiative. Even helping younger students or organizing a fundraiser counts.
Technical competencies
Used Google Docs, Canva, or Excel in school? That's worth listing. Managing social media for a club, editing videos, or doing research projects all show relevant tech skills.
Quantify Your Impact
Wherever possible, use numbers to give context to your achievements. Employers love to see measurable results, even from school or volunteer settings.
For example:
- "Tutored 15 students weekly, improving their average test scores by 20%."
- "Managed social media account that grew from 200 to 800 followers in 6 months."
- "Coordinated volunteer schedule for 25 people across 3 events."
- "Raised $1,500 for charity through organized fundraising campaign."
Create Relevant Projects
If you truly lack experience in the field you're targeting, don't wait for opportunities—create them.
You can:
- Start a blog related to your field of interest.
- Complete online courses and earn certificates.
- Volunteer with organizations in your target industry.
- Offer free services to gain experience (social media management, tutoring, etc.).
- Join professional organizations as a student member.
Dos and Don'ts: Common First-Time Resume Mistakes to Avoid
To make your resume stand out, steer clear of these common pitfalls:
Dos:
- Do proofread multiple times or use tools like Grammarly to catch typos.
- Do tailor your resume for each job, using keywords from the job description.
- Do keep it concise, one page is ideal for first-time resumes.
- Do use a professional format with clean fonts and consistent spacing.
- Do quantify achievements (e.g., “Increased club membership by 25%”).
Don’ts:
- Don’t include irrelevant details like unrelated hobbies (e.g., “playing video games”).
- Don’t use unprofessional fonts or colors, stick to black text and standard fonts.
- Don’t submit a generic resume; customize it for each application.
- Don’t include a photo unless requested, as it can trigger bias in some regions.
- Don’t forget to save as a PDF to preserve formatting, unless otherwise specified.
According to Forbes, employers spend just 6–8 seconds scanning a resume, so clarity and relevance are key.
Conclusion: Your First Resume Is Your Launchpad
Your first resume is more than a document. It’s your chance to make a lasting impression. By carefully crafting each section, using tools like JobHun’s AI Resume Builder, and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll create a resume that showcases your potential. Ready to get started? Download a template from JobHun’s Resume Resources and take the first step toward landing your dream job!
Don’t let inexperience hold you back. Start building your resume today!
